Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-04-23
Revolution in the South.
Wheeling Register Dem.)

That there is a great revolution
going on the public sentiment OF
the South is apparent to even the
unobserving. The new south is no
longer myth or dream, but reali,
ty. Old things seem to have
passed away and all things become
new.
The Democratic and Wing states
man of the old South believed in
strong individualism and the right
of every man to regulate himself.
The structure of the old South had
Garner stone upon abstract rights.
Men chung to ideas and traditions
with a tenacity that was at times
narrow and almost fanatica'. The
institution of slavery was recognize
as tie organic law of the land, and
was contented for with zeal that
never faltered The statesmen of
the old South were theoretical and
were generally men ofeducation and
and property and had time to de-
vote to the study of public affairs.
They belong mostly to the agricul-
tural and mercantile classes while
the statesman of the North were
mostly lawyers. 1t was their bust
to be statesman and they devoted
themselves to their calling with zeal
and pride.
But the new south is getting new
methods, principles and manners.
Less is thought of abstract rights
and cherished theories and tradl-
tions. When papers welding such
influence as the Atlanta Const3tn-
ton, New Orleans Times Democrat
and Nashville Union come out bold
" for strong protection great
revolution has been wrought from
the abstract principle of free trade
that was the pole star OF many
statesman of the old South. When
Kentucky, the home of HENRY
WATTERsoN, and the star-eyed god
dess, is passing through the throcs
of a protectionist revolution, the
contrast seems more striking still.
Several Southern statesman sup
ported the Blair bill, and at least
one southern Legislature recon-
mended its passage, while large
numbers of people throughout the
South were it's warm friends. What
what would the statesman of the
old South who hated paternalism in
government as they hated the man
who would inpeach their honor, say
could they now see those upon
whom their mantle had fallen, TAX
ing to the bosom an idea that they
spurned with contempt? 1t is
enough to make the shades of the
old statesman turn over in their
graves. This idea of pattern alism is
not yet general in the South, but
| that it should exist to the extent it
does, marks a wonderful change in
| the sentiments of Southern peo-
pie.
Another thing The old South
| and her statesmen were set like a
flint against sumptrary laws, that
curtailed the liberty of the citizens.
But now the hot bed of prohibition
in the south, and some Of the for
| most Southern statesman are its
champions. In Texas, Senators
REAGAN and MAxEY have just
wheeled into line. Mr. REAGAN has
published letter giving new in
depreciation to the principles of
Democracy. What would the old
statesman think Of such somer-
saults?
And thus it goes. A change of
conditions works changes in senti-
ment. The interests of the South
are every year becoming more like
those of New England, and every
year the sentiments of the people
are coming nearer together. Some
may not like to admit this, but if
they look they can see that it Is a